The New York Rangers are said to be in discussions to secure the services of center Alexander Wennberg, who is currently not playing for the Seattle Kraken due to issues linked to a potential trade
Moreover, Larry Brooks from the NY Post has confirmed the information given by Forever Blueshirts, stating that Frank Vatrano from the Anaheim Ducks is a primary focus for the New York Rangers.
“I’ve been consistently hearing about his potential move, but the Rangers will need to make a compelling offer to persuade Pat Verbeek (Ducks GM) to consider trading him,” a source informed us in late February. “He’s not eager to let Vatrano go without getting something substantial in return, so he won’t be quick to make a deal just for the sake of it.”
Rangers may be getting traction on Wennberg…In addition, told NYR have more interest in Vatrano than Henrique….
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) March 4, 2024
Wennberg, aged 29, has recorded 25 points (comprising nine goals and 16 assists) in 60 games so far this season. The New York Rangers, along with other teams like the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche, have shown interest in acquiring Wennberg.
According to Arthur Staple, there is a chance that the Rangers might involve a third team to reduce Wennberg’s Average Annual Value (AAV). By trading a second-round pick and a prospect to Seattle for Wennberg, and sending a fourth or fifth round pick to another team, they could potentially decrease his cap hit to as little as $1.125 million
#NYR could use a third team to get double retention on Wennberg to keep the cap hit down to $1.125m… 2nd and a prospect to SEA/4th or 5th elsewhere could get it done
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) March 4, 2024
In the meantime, Vatrano is a player who could ignite Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider to increase their scoring at 5v5.
The former Rangers forward has achieved a career-high of 29 goals in a standout season and still has one more year on his contract valued at $3.65 million, indicating he is not a short-term addition.
Elliotte Friedman mentioned in his 32 Thoughts blog on Monday that “The price for Frank Vatrano is high.” He is seen as a great fit for many teams; however, there is a reminder from someone that just last year, there was interest in center Adam Henrique. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek emphasized that if he didn’t receive what he wanted, he was willing to wait.
Initially, Forever Blueshirts indicated that the Rangers’ 2024 second-round pick along with either prospect Brett Berard or Matthew Robertson could seal the deal. According to the latest information, it now seems that a first-rounder is required.
Also, it has been revealed that Rangers general manager Chris Drury is considering an upgrade over Erik Gustafsson. One possible player on his radar is Joel Edmundson in Washington.
Edmundson, aged 30, has participated in 44 games during this season and has accumulated six points (1 goal, 5 assists). As an impending unrestricted free agent (UFA), he carries a cap hit of $1.75 million, which could potentially decrease with salary retention. A promising defenseman prospect such as Matthew Robertson or Zac Jones might be sufficient to finalize the trade.
But why consider Edmundson? He boasts a Stanley Cup victory in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues and appeared in the Stanley Cup Final in 2021 with the Montreal Canadiens, who were defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning
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